Chinese brand Jetour gained popularity with its initial duo of the Dashing and X70. The former earned followers thank to its keen price and striking design while the latter found traction among seven-seater seekers on a budget.
Now the brand hopes to pander to those with an adventurous streak, having introduced the boxy T2 with aesthetics that echo those of well-proven off-roaders. No prizes for guessing the model that most passers-by likened to the vehicle: people thought it was a shruken Land Rover Defender. Hardly an unflattering comparison, given how coveted the British 4x4 is in most circles.
Of course, the T2 is not a direct rival to the Defender. Nor is it comparable to genuine off-road models like the compact Suzuki Jimny. It is, instead, a medium-sized sport-utility vehicle with road-biased characteristics, albeit with a tough, outdoorsy persona to help owners tackle the urban jungle in more confident fashion. If a softer appearance is what you want, the slightly more demure T1 is also on offer.
The T2 is set apart by a more aggressive outfit, comprising additional plastic cladding, a beefier grille and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel. Pricing starts at R569,900 for the 1.5T Aspire and goes up to R639,900 for the 2.0T Xplora XWD. The higher-tier 2.0T Odyssey XWD costs R679,900 and the heroically titled Odyssey Dark Knight sits at the top of the range, also boasting a 2.0T motor and all-wheel drive.
For most, the basic Aspire is likely to deliver all they need, even with its smaller engine and omission of all-wheel drive. We tested the Odyssey XWD version.
Pricing includes a seven-year/200,000km warranty, with a 10-year/1,000,000km offering for the first owner, dependent on terms and conditions. Jetour is part of the Chery group at a global level, but locally it has shaped its own identity, with an independent management structure and dealership network.
The chassis is not of the ladder-frame variety, so prospective buyers can rule out serious off-road pursuits. But the 220mm ground clearance and all-wheel drive will enable reasonable capability over dirt.
There is no denying, however, that the natural habitat for the T2 is the built environment. Hopping inside, the standard of quality makes a strong first impression — certainly better than the last Jetour product that came under my scrutiny, the X70.
The chunky design and hard-wearing feel of the exterior translate to the cabin, punctuated by the obligatory large screen that is typical of contemporary Chinese cars.
Equipment levels are nothing to bemoan either, with everything from a panoramic roof to heated seats, a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control and six airbags.
Its dimensions would comfortably suit the requirements of the average small family, with a luggage compartment measuring 580l; overall length of 4,785mm, a width of 2,006mm and a height of 1,880mm.
From behind the wheel, the high-perched feel is commanding, as is the view through the rectangular windscreen and over the prominent edges of the squared-off front end. On paper, the 2.0l turbocharged-petrol engine appears promising, delivering 180kW/375Nm. It is linked to a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic.
This is the part of the T2 that requires some getting used to, for its delayed throttle responses, lumpy delivery and clunky gearbox operation, particularly at low speed. It can also be quite thirsty, with our test unit indicating a long-term average of 13.6l/100km over 861km.
Also worthy of criticism is the integration of the side mirror adjustment within the infotainment screen. And as noted with other recent products from the Chery group, gear selection is denied unless the driver has his or her safety-belt fastened — problematic if you need to make a quick getaway or are simply needing to move the car a few inches to correct a parking manoeuvre.
These are likely to be quirks that can be overlooked in pursuit of being mistaken for a Defender driver from afar.
When parking at the office, a colleague who had bought an X70 a year ago found herself smitten by our T2 test unit. This is exactly the type of shopper Jetour hopes to appeal to — those who see themselves growing in the brand.
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